Project Director – HT-001069

Atkins’ Highways and Transportation is our centre of excellence for the design of highway infrastructure projects. We aim to be the first choice designer for local and national highway authorities, contractors and developers. We are working on a number of professional services consultancy frameworks, including the PSF for the Highways Agency and HS2 Phase 1 and with a number of contractors on Design and Build and contracts. 
To meet our growth ambitions we are seeking several high calibre Project Directors to lead future bids and be responsible for delivery of a number of multi-disciplinary highway projects from feasibility through to construction, on an expanding portfolio of the biggest and most challenging UK projects. We have opportunities in our Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Epsom, Stockton-on-Tees, Glasgow and Warrington offices.
 
Responsibilities:
Overall responsibility for delivery of projects to contractual arrangements and the financial outcome agreed.
Providing Leadership and Direction to Project Managers responsible for leading multi-disciplinary teams to develop high quality solutions on time and budget.
Facing and Liaising with senior stakeholders, including Client Project Directors (or equivalent) to resolve issues early and safeguard our interests.
Ensuring appropriate resources and expertise are made available and that an appropriate project management framework is in place.
To maintain and develop excellent professional relationships which can secure repeat business.
Presenting to clients and key stakeholders in a professional, responsive and client focused manner.
To work collaboratively across the Atkins Group 
Agreeing commercial strategies for bids and approving fee offers.
Mentoring and supporting the development of Project Managers.
Expanding the Atkins business and assisting with the delivery of business targets

Requirements:
Essential
Appropriate academic and professional qualifications, including Chartered/Licensed Engineer and Member of relevant Professional Institution with solid experience in Managing and Directing Highway Engineering projects 
Experience of working with our key clients, e.g. the Highways Agency and major contractors
Knowledge and experience of delivering high quality highway design solutions
Ability to prepare bids, draft and negotiate consultancy contracts
Ability to find solutions to complex organisational problems 
Experience of planning and statutory processes 
Ability to research information and data independently and ability to resolve contractual issues
Ability to identify and respond to our clients values in a competitive market sector.
Proven ability to manage and direct multiple projects with a fee income exceeding £200K per month
Proven ability to keep control in pressed situations, deliver work within set timeframes and create a well motivated team
 
Desirable
Prince2 Practitioner
Experienced Project Manager/Director of D&B Commissions
Experienced manager of overseas projects 
Experience of monitoring construction contracts and of site management 
Experience of business process improvement techniques, for example, Lean Construction
Experience of giving evidence at Public Inquiries

The Individual:
Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills both verbally and in writing
A hard working and flexible individual, who is a team player, possesses great attention to detail, is reliable, proactive and shows initiative whilst able to keep cool under pressure and when working to often demanding deadlines.
Ability to build and motivate a team and demonstrate good leadership qualities 
Self motivated and able to work both independently as well as within a larger multi-discipline team
Ability to contribute to business strategy for growth and expansion
A high expectation of performance for themselves and other members of the team
Customer focused with excellent relationship management skills
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
A supportive and encouraging approach to mentoring less experienced members of the team
Ability to adapt to different cultures and working environments to build rapport with clients
Worked for both private and public sector clients and appreciates the different drivers and approach to management and procurement
Be available to travel across the UK and work away from home, including periods overseas on assignments
Atkins is a truly global organisation and our strategy means much of our multi-disciplinary work spans various regions around the world. We especially welcome applications from those who are able to travel and spend extended periods of time abroad. 
Have a valid UK driving licence
 
Training
Atkins develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
 
Rewards and Benefits
Please refer to our website for details of our full benefits package.
 
Right to Work
The UK Government have taken steps to reduce net migration to the UK by limiting the number of overseas workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) coming to the UK for employment. Please note that whilst we are able to consider applications from overseas workers from outside the EEA (who require a Tier 2 (General) visa) we can only employ them if we can provide evidence that there are no other suitable candidates for this vacancy from inside the EEA.